Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

I just got my provisional license, but have been driving with a permit for a little under two years. My parents think if i drive my friends around and get into an accident and one of them gets injured, they can sue my family for everything we own. is that true?


Asked on 9/22/11, 10:46 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Yup. Equally or even more likely is you get into an accident and injure a stranger. Either way, if you are at fault, they can sue the owner of the car for everything they own. That's why your parents should carry adequate insurance on any vehicle you drive.

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Answered on 9/22/11, 11:39 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

They won't get "everything they own." Most people who get hurt in auto accidents don't get hurt badly enough to exhaust the responsible party's insurance, and the liability of a vehicle owner is limited by law.

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Answered on 9/23/11, 3:04 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Yes. The driver and all registered owners are liable for the damages the driver causes. If an owner allows an unlicensed or impaired driver to drive the car, there is no 'cap' on liability.

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Answered on 9/23/11, 3:33 pm


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